Josh Habdas

Running Ice Cream Sandwich on the HTC HD2

1 minute read

The HD2 proves yet again to have been a great purchase. Just as soon as Android evolved to version 4.0 with ICS so too did ICS AOSP Hit the HD2. Continue reading to learn how to direct-boot Ice Cream Sandwich using Nandroid on the HTC HD2.

To get started, complete my existing instructions to install HSPL, upgrade to a new radio and install MAGLDR. These updates are needed to flash custom ROMs on the HD2. (Note: cLK can be as an alternative to MAGLDR in some cases, but both require HSPL be installed first.) Installation times vary widely by skill level. Once installed, return here to finish the rest.

As a debugging tool for beta ROM installations download and store a functional copy of Android Gingerbread on the SD card, in case there is a need to revert from ICS to an earlier, bug-free version of Android. The Gingerbread ROM I used to use worked for me.

Download and install Ice Cream Sandwich from the XDA forums. With MAGLDR it is easiest to upgrade using the ClockworkMod Recovery utility, accessible via the MAGLDR main menu once installed. To access ClockworkMod Recovery, enter MAGLDR (reset phone with shut down key depressed) and choose AD Recovery from the main menu. The resulting menu system provides methods for installing and restoring ROMs from ZIP archives stored on the SD card. (Note: If upgrading from an existing Android NAND ROM, the system partition size may need to be increased before installation as per the ROM instructions.)

If installation problems occur please be sure to follow all of the instructions provided with the ROM. Once installed, if things seem buggy, consider direct-booting Gingerbread, or, if using the old dual-booting Android and WinMo, switch over to a direct-boot method such as this one. Or simply try simply copying the set-up below. Those with an Android password management system will revel knowing how much time their careful planning has saved them once again.